Some Mad Hope (ML, #4.5)

Kabanata 3

Kabanata 3

Tee-shirt

I slowly opened my eyes and it is directed to the college shirt that Newt offered to me. Nakasabit sa cabinet ko. The funny thing is, I dreamt of him, being good and kind. With the devilish smile he always presented. I dreamt of him, holding my face and kissing my forehead. I am shocked when I unconsciously touched my forehead. Kaagad kong binawi ang palad ko doon at naramdaman ang pagpula ng aking pisngi. Umiling ako at nilagay ang unan sa aking mukha. Oh my god, he's a devil. I shouldn't be blushing at the thought of him!

Iyong ginawa niya lang sa pagtapon ng blue lemonade sa akin nagpadagdag ng inis ko sa kanya no!

No!

No, Maggie Anne!

No!

You hate him for all the hates you never encountered.

Inalis ko ang unan sa aking mukha at padabog na umalis sa kama. Today it is tita Letty's birthday! Wala akong pasok sa araw na 'to, and lucky enough to go to my aunt's mansion. I'll be seeing all my cousins...my relatives. I let the thought occupied my mind and head to the bathroom. Naghilamos ako pagkatapos ay nagmumog. I let myself to see my reflection in the mirror. Some days I wish I could see someone like me...maybe, they are my biological relatives. But when I saw the family that adopted me, I feel safe and contented. This is the family that accepted me.

I curved my lips upward.

I shook my head and rubbed my face with the towel. I walked down the stairs and went to the dining area. Their heads whipped at my place, Mom and Dad, catching my attention. Napansin 'ko rin ang pagsalo ni kuya Benj hawak ang pitsel galing sa kusina. Halos patakbo ang aking kilos makarating lamang sa pwesto.

"Good morning!" I said and flopped myself on the seat.

"Morning, sweetheart," Mom stated, giving me her sweetest smile.

Nakita ko ang pag-upo ni kuya sa aking tabi. He offered me the pancakes and I mumbled a thank you to him. Kumuha ako ng tatlong pancakes and poured almost the syrup. My mouth watered. I devoured the pancakes and moaned happily.

"How's the first week, Maggie?" Dad asked.

"It's fine. Met some friends," masaya kong batid. Nope, I am not friends with Newt. He is excluded. I truthfully met some friends in the univ, some are from the course, some are from school per se. Iyong iba'y pinakilala sa akin ni Conrad. Well, my first week is really, really good. Wala pang masyadong ginagawa.

Dad chewed and swallowed his bread. Tumango siya at tumingin kay Mommy.

"No boys snooping?" mapagbirong dagdag ni Dad, sabay kain ng bacon.

Uminit ang pisngi 'ko. Tumingin ako kay Mommy na umiiling habang kumakain. Sa gilid, nakita ko si kuya na abala sa pagtingin sa akin. Tumaas ang isang kilay niya na tila binabasa ang reaksyon ng aking mukha.

"Of course, there will be, you are gorgeous, sweetheart," Mom uttered. "But," she stopped then the seriousness thicken the air. "Know your priorities. Alright?"

"Maggie knows it," added by kuya.

"Of course," I mumbled under my breath. Tumingin ako kay kuya at binigyan niya ng maliit na ngiti. "How's your work? I've heard some rumors." Ngumisi ako. I nudged him with my elbow. Minata niya ang kape sa harap. "Hmm..." I hummed and continued eating. Tinignan ko sina Mom at Dad na bubulungan.

"Same with you, it's fine. Yesterday was my last day. The contract ended," aniya. He gazed our parents. Kumain lang ako ng kumain at nakinig sa sinabi ni kuya Benj. "I'd been wanting to have my own studio, you know that. But..."